First Teaser and Official Cast List for ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ Arrive as Rian Johnson Begins Production

After recently clearing $2 billion at the global box-office, it’s safe to say Star Wars: The Force Awakens exceeded expectations on the financial side and we even had quite a bit of fun with it. Ahead of a December 2017 release, it’s now time for Rian Johnson to kick off production on Star Wars: Episode VIIIand with the news that filming has begun, we have the first brief teaser and some more casting announcements.

Benicio Del Toro, who has long been rumored to play an antagonist, has been confirmed to take part, while the great Laura Dern has joined alongside newcomer Kelly Marie Tran. Check out the press release below, along with a teaser that shows off the return of Luke Skywalker.

Rey took her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and will continue her epic journey with Finn, Poe, and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the continuing Star Wars saga, Star Wars: Episode VIII, which began principal photography at Pinewood Studios in London on February 15, 2016.